Outdoor Skills

What You Should Know | Basic Skills | Survival | Hunter Health | Advanced Skills | Final Quiz

 Safety Around Running Water

  • Study the river before crossing . Walk along edge and look for best possible place to cross.
  • Look for the wide, shallow areas, which are usually safest.
  • Avoid the main current. Stay in slower moving water.
  • If you can't see the bottom, it's probably too deep to wade.
  • Watch for debris floating in river.
  • Look for sand, gravel or cobble bottom.
  • Look for gradual slopes to enter and exit (avoid cutbanks).

Gauging Depths

water mid-calf - careful
water mid-thigh - caution!
hip-deep water - too deep
Safe for 1 person
wading with a stick
Safe for 2 or more working together
Try another crossing

Other Crossing Options

  • Crossing on a log keeps feet dry, but if you slip, you will most likely be injured . avoid dry or rotten logs.
  • Be careful when "rock.hopping." Rocks may be slippery or loose.
  • Use a walking stick as a "third leg" for steadiness.
  • Run a taut rope to solid anchors on each bank, if possible.
  • Use a canoe or johnboat when possible.
  • Do not cross if it looks dangerous. Walk to a safer crossing.

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